OBITUARIES

Clarence Frederick (Fred) Cann

CANN, Clarence Frederick (Fred) - 1931 - 2017 Clarence Frederick Cann (Fred), 85, passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Vista Park Lodge in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Fred was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on June 23, 1931, the son of the late Stanley and Beatrice (Coyle) Cann. He was the eldest of six children. When Fred was young, the family settled on a farm in the Pleasantdale, Saskatchewan area. He attended Leviathan School District. As a young man jobs were scarce in the area so he followed his Uncle Fred to northern Manitoba. In 1951 he was hired on with Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company (HBM&S), starting his career underground and then becoming a hoistman. He married the love of his life Edna Mayner on November 8, 1952 and they started their life together in Flin Flon, Manitoba. In 1959 Fred was transferred to Snow Lake, Manitoba where Fred and Edna raised their family of four. Upon Fred's retirement in 1988, after 36 years of service to HBM&S, Fred and Edna moved "back home", settling in Melfort, Saskatchewan, renewing old friendships and enjoying new ones. They resided in Melfort until 2016. Fred was a man who worked hard and always put his family first. He had a life-long passion for learning which led to many interests and talents such as: gardening, fishing, carpentry, dancing, music, berry picking, curling, cross country skiing, bowling, aquacizing, camping, card playing, photography, and Sudoku to name a few. Fred enjoyed a challenge and there was nothing that he could not fix. He listened and learned from others and spent countless hours studying manuals until the problem was solved. Fred loved being with people. He was an avid storyteller and took great pleasure in sharing his stories with others. Fred was an active community and church member volunteering his time and talents. He was a charter member of the Elks in Snow Lake, was a palliative care visitor, a scout leader, delivered meals, and served on numerous boards. His enthusiasm and support for his childrens' interests saw Fred's involvement in many clubs and groups. He enjoyed bible study, men's breakfasts and men's choir. Fred is survived by his wife of 64 ½ years, Edna (Mayner), his daughter Beverly Erickson (Kenneth), his son Gordon Cann (Ann Taylor), his son Andrew Cann (Shelly Wick), his daughter Bernice Feely (Duane), his grandchildren, Ryan Erickson (Meagan Gummerson), Brian Erickson, Kimberly Tucker (Mark), Morgan Cann, Kelsey Cann, Penny Cann, Angel Cann, Allison Feely, and Eric Feely, and his great grandchildren, Preston Erickson and Callie Erickson. He is also survived by his brother Scott Cann (Rose), his sister Joyce Wilkinson (Charlie), his sister Ruth Mayner and numerous nieces and nephews. Fred is predeceased by his grandson Jeffery Cann, his parents Stanley and Beatrice (Coyle) Cann, his brother Lawrence Cann and his sister Lois Gerski. A Memorial Service was held at St. James Presbyterian Church in Melfort, Saskatchewan on May 9, 2017 with Pastor Dave MacPherson officiating. Urn bearers were Fred's grandchildren and music was provided by daughter Beverly Erickson and Denny Lewis. The eulogy was delivered by Alan Porter. Brenda Gerski and Garnet Gerski attended the memorial register. Interment will take place at a later date at the Pleasantdale Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Fred may be directed to the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic, the Pleasantdale Cemetery Fund and/or the Pleasantdale Cemetery Chapel. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to MELFORT FUNERAL HOME LTD. 306 752-2714 www.melfortfuneralhome.com.13174344